Optical Systems Mechanical Engineer – Outdoor Solar Tracker

Protagonist Management LLC; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Exowatt is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to own the design‑to‑commissioning lifecycle of tracker hardware. You’ll design optomechanical assemblies, build prototypes, test and calibrate systems, and troubleshoot electromechanical hardware in a fast‑paced optics team in Miami.

You’ll apply first‑principles analysis, GD&T, and CAD workflows (Creo/SolidWorks) while collaborating with controls, software, and vendors. Relocation assistance is provided as needed.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 1+ years hands-on build or design experience with real hardware.
• Strong fundamentals in math and physics; first-principles approach.
• Knowledge of parametric CAD tools: Creo and SolidWorks.
• Understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with fabrication processes and DFM/DFA principles.
• Ability to back up simulations with hand calculations and root-cause analysis.
• Track record building real hardware via internships, projects, or teams.
• Willingness to own full design-to-build cycle and work outdoors in Miami heat.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and align optomechanical assemblies end-to-end for tracker platforms.
• Assemble prototypes, fixtures, and alignment features; iterate quickly.
• Support test stands, instrumentation, calibration, and DAQ integration.
• Troubleshoot electromechanical systems with meters, scopes, and Python.
• Collaborate with controls, software, and supply chain teams; author docs.
• Develop CAD models, drawings, and GD&T packages for fabrication.
• Perform structural analysis with hand-calcs and ANSYS FEA; wind loads per ASCE 7‑22.
• Maintain subsystem BOMs; liaise with vendors and fabrication shops.
• Present work in design reviews; grow into ownership of subsystems.

Skills

Hands-on build/design

CAD (Creo/SolidWorks)

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

First-principles reasoning

Root-cause analysis

Python debugging

DFM/DFA concepts

Aerospace/Mechanical fundamentals

Ansys/SAP2000 familiarity

Communication writing

AI coding agents familiarity

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

Tools

PTC Creo

SolidWorks

ANYSYS

SAP2000

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Exowatt is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to own the design‑to‑commissioning lifecycle of tracker hardware. You’ll design optomechanical assemblies, build prototypes, test and calibrate systems, and troubleshoot electromechanical hardware in a fast‑paced optics team in Miami.

You’ll apply first‑principles analysis, GD&T, and CAD workflows (Creo/SolidWorks) while collaborating with controls, software, and vendors. Relocation assistance is provided as needed.